Opening Films

Hero -- Despite much confusion in keeping track of the story and who is telling lies, director Zhang Yimou's tale of political treachery and revenge in ancient China works as one of the most exciting visual extravaganzas in recent years. Jet Li stars as a mysterious nameless man who says he's vanquished a would-be emperor's enemies. Flashbacks to sword fights are on a grand scale, as are bow-and-arrow attacks by massive, invading armies. The photography and musical score are brilliant. Great to watch -- if only it all made a little more sense. (ES) Rated PG-13

Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid -- A boatload of scientists head out for an expedition to a tropical island on a quest to locate the legendary Black Orchid, a flower purported to hold the key to immortality. With me so far? Well, as it turns out this island is teeming with big, fat snakes all hopped up on that crazy Black Orchid juice. In fact, the titular anacondas are bigger, faster, more deadly and (curiously enough) smarter than your garden-variety anaconda. Smart snakes. Now isn't that scary, kids? Rated: PG-13

Suspect Zero -- A serial killer who hunts serial killers? Well, that's a new spin. The ever-versatile Ben Kingsley stars as a mysterious avenging angel who takes great pleasure in cleaning up the FBI's most wanted list, vigilante-style. Turns out he has this clairvoyant ability to see his victims -- and is on a collision course with a federal agent in the hinterlands of New Mexico. Director E. Elias Merhige (Shadow of the Vampire) has a knack for cool visuals but is sometimes a little lacking in the story-telling arena. At least he has an interesting premise to work from. Rated: R

SuperBabies: Baby Geniuses 2 -- Director Bob Clark, the same guy who brought us such memorable -- and wildly divergent -- films as Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things, The Christmas Story and Porky's, seems to be making his rent these day directing stuff like the Baby Geniuses franchise. SuperBabies focuses on (what else?) a super-baby with mysterious powers who comes to the aid of a new set of brilliant toddlers. High adventure and assorted wackiness ensues. The new generation of superheroes? M-m-maybe. Rated: PG